LAW ENFORCEMENT Tributes call slain patrolman hero who loved his job, adored his family

Updated 11:35 pm, Thursday, September 13, 2012

Law enforcement officers salute the casket of Kenyon Youngstrom, the CHP patrolman shot during a traffic stop Sept. 4.

Law enforcement officers salute the casket of Kenyon Youngstrom, the CHP patrolman shot during a traffic stop Sept. 4.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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CHP officers comfort each other before the service attended by 5,000 mourners from as far away as Nevada and L.A.

CHP officers comfort each other before the service attended by 5,000 mourners from as far away as Nevada and L.A.

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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California Highway Patrol officers embrace before the memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers embrace before the memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a

California Highway Patrol pallbearers carry Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket to his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol pallbearers carry Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket to his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a

A California Highway Patrol officer salutes as Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket is carried to his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

A California Highway Patrol officer salutes as Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket is carried to his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a

California Highway Patrol pallbearers carry Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket to his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol pallbearers carry Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket to his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a

Family members are escorted to the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

Family members are escorted to the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a

CHP personnel salute as the hearse arrives for the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

CHP personnel salute as the hearse arrives for the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a

California Highway Patrol officers gather before the memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers gather before the memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a

A California Highway Patrol officer salutes as a flag is raised before a memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

A California Highway Patrol officer salutes as a flag is raised before a memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a

A procession of Police vehicles make their way along Interstate 80 freeway through Fairfield, Ca., to attend a memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13, 2012 in Vacaville, Ca., who was shot during a traffic stop and later died from his injuries.

A procession of Police vehicles make their way along Interstate 80 freeway through Fairfield, Ca., to attend a memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13,

A police motorcycle escort leads Officer Youngstrom's funeral procession on I-80 to the memorial service in Vacaville.

A police motorcycle escort leads Officer Youngstrom's funeral procession on I-80 to the memorial service in Vacaville.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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A lone California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer blocks Interstate 80 freeway through Fairfield, Ca., to make way for the motorcade for Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13, 2012 in Fairfield, Ca. Youngstrom was shot during a traffic stop and later died from his injuries.

A lone California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer blocks Interstate 80 freeway through Fairfield, Ca., to make way for the motorcade for Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13, 2012 in Fairfield,

Sgt. Andrew White, with Suisun CIty Police, salutes the motorcade as it passes along Interstate 80 in Fairfield, Calif., as memorial service is held for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13, 2012 in Vacaville, Ca. Youngstrom was shot during a traffic stop and later died from his injuries.

Sgt. Andrew White, with Suisun CIty Police, salutes the motorcade as it passes along Interstate 80 in Fairfield, Calif., as memorial service is held for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on

Randy Lema of Fairfield honors Youngstrom as his funeral procession travels on Interstate 80 to a Vacaville church.

Randy Lema of Fairfield honors Youngstrom as his funeral procession travels on Interstate 80 to a Vacaville church.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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A California Highway Patrol officer salutes as a flag is raised before a memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

A California Highway Patrol officer salutes as a flag is raised before a memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers, and other officers from around the country, stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers, and other officers from around the country, stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville,

California Highway Patrol officers, and other officers from around the country, stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers, and other officers from around the country, stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville,

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4. less

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom ... more

Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle

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California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's funeral procession leaves The Mission Church after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers and other mourners wait for the funeral procession after the memorial service for Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers and other mourners wait for the funeral procession after the memorial service for Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to

Police officers from around the country file out of The Mission Church after attending the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

Police officers from around the country file out of The Mission Church after attending the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13,

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket is carried to the hearse after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

California Highway Patrol officers stand at attention as Kenyon Youngstrom's flag-draped casket is carried to the hearse after his memorial service in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom

Patrol cruisers in the funeral procession were adorned with black bands at the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Youngstrom was shot to death by a motorist during a traffic stop on Sept. 4.

Patrol cruisers in the funeral procession were adorned with black bands at the memorial service for California Highway Patrol officer Kenyon Youngstrom in Vacaville, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012.

California Highway Patrol officers salute as the hearse drives past following the memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13, 2012 in Vacaville, Ca. Youngstrom was shot during a traffic stop, nine days ago and later died from his injuries.

California Highway Patrol officers salute as the hearse drives past following the memorial service for CHP officer Kenyon Youngstrom, on Thursday September 13, 2012 in Vacaville, Ca. Youngstrom was shot during

California Highway Patrol officers salute their comrade, who served with them for seven years before he was gunned down.

California Highway Patrol officers salute their comrade, who served with them for seven years before he was gunned down.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Slain CHP officer had an 'enormous heart'

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Kenyon Youngstrom was a fun-loving joker, a hard-charging runner, a devoted student of the Bible, a father who liked to wrestle his son. But above all, he loved being a California Highway Patrol officer, chasing bad guys and writing tickets and being an example for his large family.

He lost his life to a bullet last week, and as 5,000 mourners gathered in Vacaville Thursday to remember the fallen 37-year-old patrolman, it became clear through their words that there was much more to this man than a gun, a badge and fatherhood.

"He was kind of a goofball, but he had heart - he had an enormous heart," his niece, Storm Youngstrom, told a hushed crowd jamming the halls at the Mission Church. "Kenyon turned out to be the best man one could hope for.

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"To me he was not only my uncle. He was my hero."

Most of those who attended were law officers, who came from as far away as Nevada and Los Angeles, and even the two giant auditoriums set up in the mega-church on the windswept edge of Vacaville could not hold them.

The day began with a procession of police cars escorting his body with flashing lights from a funeral home in St. Helena, and by the time the casket arrived in Vacaville, there were so many people waiting that hundreds had to stand outside watching the service on huge TV screens.

A gigantic American flag hung from extended fire truck ladders at the parking lot entrance. Two CHP officers mounted on horses stood watch outside under blue skies while a bagpiper keening "Dark Isle" led the casket inside.

Paying respects

Mourners at the two-hour service included Gov. Jerry Brown, fellow parishioners from the Community Bible Church in Vallejo, where Youngstrom was a children's ministry and Bible study leader, and Bay Area citizens who simply came because they felt awful about the officer's death.

"I didn't even know the man, but I felt terrible for him," said Mike Charlston, 44, of Vacaville. "He had four kids. I have three kids. I just had to come to pay my respects."

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow and a cluster of other commanders praised his seven years of service to the agency and his bravery as an officer, recalling how he once helped nab a drunken driver by chasing him into some woods. He also guarded dignitaries from President Obama to the Dalai Lama on their visits to California, and wrote so many traffic tickets that his pals joshed that he had a "hot pencil."

But it was the little moments from friends and family that lit up the corners of who Youngstrom was behind the Smokey Bear hat.

They spoke of a man who loved junk food but worked out tirelessly in running shoes and showed his son wrestling moves, liked music from Guns N' Roses to the stolid anthem "The Badge of the CHP," and who enjoyed football so much he did a goofy victory dance in his living room when his beloved St. Louis Rams scored.

And they talked of a CHP officer whose pride in his job spilled over so much that his son beamed every time he mentioned what his father did.

"Now whenever I mention my dad, people get kind of quiet," said 17-year-old Alexander Youngstrom, the oldest of the officer's children and the only one to speak. "But I'm always talking about him. ... I found when I brought him up, I felt cooler. I'd say, 'My dad does this,' and I felt kind of pumped up."

His 'presidents'

Youngstrom's wife, Karen, and other children, Madison, 13, Andrew, 10 and Kennedy, 5 - he called his kids his "presidents" - were all seated up front, as were the officer's parents, Jill and Guy Youngstrom of Riverside. The officer's sister and four brothers also came.

One of the siblings, Clinton Youngstrom - a triplet with Kenyon and a previously deceased brother - drew chuckles from the assemblage by recalling that when they were young, his brother was so rambunctious that he figured "Kenyon would probably be the one in back of a patrol car, not driving one." He loved duct tape, the brother recalled to more chuckles - but most of all, he cherished being a CHP officer, and he adored his family.

"Brother, we love you," he said.

Officer Tyler Carlton, who was at the fateful traffic stop and killed the man who shot Youngstrom, said he will forever remember how his patrol partner remained strong while paramedics tried to save his life.

"I often have thoughts creep into my mind of 'Why, what if, or I could have,' but then I remember that everything does happen for a reason," Carlton said. "Ken, I know you can hear me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there for me."

Youngstrom was gunned down Sept. 4 by Christopher Lacy, a 36-year-old engineer who lived near Corning (Tehama County). Youngstrom and Carlton had stopped Lacy on Interstate 680 for having an obstructed license plate. After speaking with Youngstrom for about 10 seconds while sitting in his Jeep, Lacy shot him in the neck with a pistol.

Carlton, who had pulled up in a second patrol car, immediately opened fire on the shooter. Youngstrom and Lacy both later died of their wounds.

Senseless death

The senselessness of Youngstrom's death at a routine traffic stop - one of the most dangerous interactions for anyone in law enforcement - loomed large for everyone.

"The specter of death hangs over every officer everyday," San Ramon police Cpl. Randy Ritter said before the funeral. "Every contact every day, you don't know what you are dealing with. It could go bad at any time."

As he spoke, Ritter got a text from his daughter saying, "I am so proud of you."

Youngstrom was buried privately after the service, with a 21-gun salute.

How to help

Two funds have been created by the California Highway Patrol to support Officer Kenyon Youngstrom's family.

Officer Youngstrom Memorial Fund: Donate at any Mechanics Bank branch. Donors can also give money from anywhere in the nation by visiting their local bank and asking to make a wire transfer to the account, routing number 121102036.

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